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CC Innovation Africa at TICAD 9: Strengthening Africa–Japan Partnerships

CC Innovation Africa (CCIA) participated in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held from 20th–22nd August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, marking a significant milestone in our mission to foster cross-border collaboration and sustainable growth.


Our presence at TICAD 9 provided a unique opportunity to showcase CCIA’s vision and impact to a global audience. The exhibition booth became a vibrant meeting point for corporate leaders, government officials, and development partners, all eager to learn more about Africa’s growth story. Together with our Japan-based colleagues, we highlighted CCIA’s commitment to supporting Japanese companies as they expand into Africa, especially in sectors like healthcare, mobility, and microfinance. 


Kenya’s role as a regional anchor for East Africa was a central theme in our conversations, reflecting the country’s growing influence in shaping the continent’s future. Throughout the conference, we engaged in insightful discussions about the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s development. The event was a catalyst for forging new partnerships, sparking ideas, and opening doors for future collaboration. We explored emerging trends in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and digital innovation, and gained valuable perspectives on how public-private cooperation can drive sustainable progress.


TICAD 9 was more than just a conference, it was a catalyst for new ideas and meaningful connections. Inspired by this experience, CCIA is energized to deepen our engagement across Africa and Japan, pursue innovative finance and investment opportunities, and continue building partnerships that drive sustainable growth across the continent.

CC Innovation Africa’s Participation at the MOL Seminar: “Kenya × Japan – Connecting the Future with Human Capital”

On August 19, 2025 CC Innovation Africa (CCIA) was honored to participate in the seminar “Kenya × Japan – Connecting the Future with Human Capital,” hosted by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) as part of TICAD 9. The event brought together stakeholders from business, education, and sports to explore the growing potential of Kenyan talent and the evolving landscape of Japan-Africa collaboration.


During the seminar, CCIA shared its experience navigating Africa’s dynamic financial landscape in a dedicated session titled “Why Are Local Banks Heading to Africa? The Local Potential That Expands from the First Challenges of Banks.” We discussed the strategic motivations behind Japanese financial institutions expanding into Africa, highlighted growth sectors such as healthcare, mobility, and microfinance, and emphasized the importance of local partnerships, risk-managed investment models, and long-term engagement. Our work in Kenya continues to demonstrate how financial institutions can play a transformative role in supporting sustainable development and cross-border business growth, and we underscored that Africa is not just a frontier market, but a region of innovation, resilience, and opportunity.


Our participation also aligned with the recent business alliance between MOL, Hokkoku Financial Holdings, and CCIA, aimed at promoting the recruitment of skilled foreign workers from Africa, particularly Kenya. This collaboration leverages CCIA’s regional expertise and networks to connect Japanese companies with African talent, supporting sustainable human capital development and cross-border employment.


The seminar featured real-life stories from Kenyan professionals working in Japan, as well as insights into the co-creation roadmap between Kenyan athletes and Japanese sports institutions. Opportunities for educational institutions and HR professionals to engage with international talent were also explored, and a greeting from the Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Kenya to Japan expressed strong support for broader Japan-Kenya cooperation.


The event concluded with a networking session that fostered new connections and collaborative ideas. For CCIA, this seminar was a valuable opportunity to reinforce our role in advancing Japan-Africa financial and human capital partnerships. We remain committed to supporting sustainable growth, empowering local talent, and building bridges between Japanese companies and African opportunities.


Speaking at an Online Seminar Hosted by the Fukui Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On August 28, 2025, an online, Africa-focused seminar was held as part of the “Global South Study Session” organized by the Fukui Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This seminar marked our company’s first Africa-related seminar conducted in the Hokuriku region and was planned and delivered in close collaboration with the Fukui Sales Department. 


The session featured a presentation by Mr. Yutaro Shimizu, Managing Director, who shared practical insights drawn from his firsthand experience working across African markets. Approximately 30–40 business owners and corporate representatives joined the online session, reflecting a high level of engagement from the region. The presentation covered the latest economic trends in Africa, the realities of doing business on the ground, and key considerations for Japanese companies exploring market entry Participants gained actionable perspectives on why Africa is attracting global attention today and how regional companies can leverage their unique strengths to succeed internationally.

Developed in close collaboration with the Fukui Sales Department, the seminar was carefully tailored to address the specific interests and challenges of local businesses. Participants responded positively, noting that Africa felt more tangible and that they could visualize concrete business opportunities.

This online seminar marked a meaningful first step in connecting Hokuriku‑based companies with Africa’s growing markets and reaffirmed our commitment to supporting regional businesses in pursuing global opportunities.

Headquarters Visit & Africa Seminar: Strengthening Global Collaboration at Hokkoku Financial Holdings

On August 18, 2025, CC Innovation Africa (CCIA) visited the headquarters of Hokkoku Financial Holdings, marking an important step in deepening collaboration and reinforcing our global vision especially in relation to Africa.

The visit included a guided tour of the HQ offices and the innovative Hirooka Terrace, designed to foster creativity and well-being. We engaged in meaningful exchanges with headquarters staff and, group subsidiaries, sharing updates on CCIA’s activities in Kenya and across Africa. Nairobi’s appeal as a business and lifestyle destination often described as “the summer Karuizawa” sparked genuine interest among our hosts. The visit strengthened internal relationships and positioned CCIA as a strategic partner in advancing Japan-Africa business ties. 


CCIA also hosted the Africa Seminar, attended by over 50 participants both in-person and online. The seminar provided an overview of Nairobi’s urban development, digital infrastructure, and the vibrant Japanese community. Participants learned about Kenya’s digital transformation, including the widespread use of mobile money (M-Pesa), and discussed both opportunities and challenges in the region. High-growth sectors such as healthcare, microfinance, and mobility were explored, along with CCIA’s role in investment, consulting, and risk management. An interactive Q&A session covered topics from Japanese food imports to automotive trends and Nairobi’s living conditions. The day sparked new interest in Africa’s potential and reinforced CCIA’s leadership in the region. Internal alignment around our global strategy was strengthened, supporting our commitment to sustainable growth and cross-border partnerships.

JICA ABE Networking Event: Showcase Japanese- Kenyan Business Synergies 

On 17th June 2025, CCIA was proud to participate in the JICA ABE Networking Event hosted by JICA Kenya. The event brought together representatives from Japanese institutions, current and Alumni Students of the ABE initiatives to celebrate achievements and discuss areas for future collaboration.

 

The Seminar featured a vibrant agenda including success stories from former ABE scholars who are now making significant impact across sectors in Kenya. Some alumni have taken up key roles in leading institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya Power and Lighting Company, (KPLC) and Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KENGEN), while others have ventured int entrepreneurship, founding innovative businesses like Aviva Technologies, Grassroots Walkers, and Laundromat Selfie KE Limited.

 

A key highlight of the event was a joint session featuring presentations by Japanese companies operating in Kenya, focusing on strengthening Japan-Kenya cooperation through business development. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) presented its role in supporting labor mobility between Kenya and Japan, offering job placement pathways for skilled professionals, and promoting bilateral HR development.

 

CCIA, represented by Mr. Yutaro Shimizu and Ms. Rahab Mureithi, demonstrated how the organization provides strategic consulting, corporate finance and investment facilitation services to Japanese and Japanese related companies seeking to expand or operate in Kenya. The presentation emphasized CCIA`s unique role in aligning ABE Alumni talent with Japanese business interests and fostering impactful market-entry strategies.

 

The seminar concluded with a networking session between ABE Alumni and Japanese companies, followed by a networking lunch, offering participants an opportunity to deepen professional connections, explore future collaboration, and celebrate the growing success of the Japan-Kenya partnership.

​CCIA presents at the JICA Networking Event for ABE Students 

On 14th May 2025, CC Innovation Africa took an active and impactful role in the "JICA Networking Event with Japanese Companies" webinar, organized by JICA and JICE. We presented our core business and innovation-led approach, sparking strong interest, especially from ABE initiatives students keen to explore business opportunities with our company. Engaging one-on-one sessions led to meaningful exchange of ideas, opening doors for future collaboration opportunities. The event offered a dynamic platform for cross-cultural dialogue and entrepreneurial synergy. Lastly, we were honored to deliver the closing remarks, rounding off a day filled with energy, connection and forward-looking conversations.


CCIA Africa Engages Kenyan Government Officials at Embassy Event

On February 7, 2025, CCIA Africa participated in an exclusive annual networking event hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Kenya.  The gathering serves as a diplomatic platform to strengthen ties between Japan and Kenya, bringing together senior Kenyan government officials and Japanese stakeholders. 

During the Event, CCI Africa had the opportunity to introduce its service offerings to government representatives. The team shared its commitment to supporting Kenya's development goals through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions and sustainable investment, consulting and financing models. 

This annual engagement continues to foster meaningful connections and open avenues for collaboration between Japan and Kenya's public sector. 

Panel Discussion at Showcase 2025-Uncover Fund

At showcase 2025 in Tokyo, hosted by uncovered fund, we participated in a panel discussion highlighting how CCI Africa supports investors by providing market insights, facilitating partnerships, and helping navigate regulatory environments to unlock sustainable growth opportunities. 

Seminar with Hokkoku Financial Holdings, Nishimura & Asahi

At a seminar co-hosted by Hokkoku Finacial Holdings and Nishimura and Asahi Law firm on 27th March 2025, we shared insights on Africa`s legal and regulatory landscape, market nuances and strategies for successful business expansion. Emphasis was placed on the importance of building sustainable, long-term partnerships.

CCI Africa Shares Insights at the Osaka Chamber of Commerce Seminar

On December 5, 2024, CCI Africa's participated at a seminar organized by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

We provided an overview of the Kenyan market, emphasising on the continent's growing consumer base, improving business climate and opportunities for strategic partnerships between Africa and Japan. 

Spotlight on Innovation: Japanese Medical Event Held in Nairobi

On October 17, 2024, the Embassy of Japan in Kenya hosted a one-day healthcare showcase in Nairobi, highlighting innovative Japanese medical technologies, health screenings, and wellness solutions aimed at improving access to quality care. CCI Africa underscored its commitment to advancing transformative healthcare initiatives through sustainable partnerships, contributing to stronger Japan–Africa collaboration in healthcare and development.